On Sunday, November 13th, 2022; our story begins with both swiping right on one another. Amanda made the first move, but Ashley responded faster than lightning. We bonded over our love for animals, musicals, and of course; Disney. We continued to talk for another two weeks through text, over the phone and video chat. On Saturday, Dec 3rd, we had our first date. We went and played some mini golf at Popstroke in North Orlando before having dinner and watching a couple of movies. Eight hours later, we knew that we had to keep seeing one another. It was honestly love at first sight and we didn’t want the day to end. (Cora immediately gave her approval on gaining a mama!) Every weekend after, Ashley would make the 1.5 to 2 hr drive up to Winter Springs from her job in Tampa and we would explore Florida and what the area has to offer. Our first Disney date was at the Grand Floridian where we had dinner at the café. Afterwards, we explored the resort before watching the Christmas fireworks on the dock. About two months in, Cooper came on the drive and met Cora. Despite her being scared and him with his loud greeting, they quickly became best friends and started wrestling/chasing each other. Which if you know Cora, isn’t something she would ever do. However, having a big confident brother brought her out of her shell. For both of our birthdays, we decided to spend the entire day at Animals Kingdom (Ashley’s) and Hollywood Studios (Amanda’s). It was then, Amanda got Ashley hooked on Disney and she quickly joined the annual pass holder family. To this day, we continue to have our Disney dates and explore everything the resorts have to offer.

When it came to planning how I wanted to ask Ashley to become my wife, I knew that I had to incorporate Disney in my plans. The original date was going to be Dec 2, 2023. However, someone (not saying who) decided to get sick right after returning from MN for Thanksgiving. I somehow convinced Carly to join me on the planning to help make this as special as possible. She agreed to hide at the Grand Floridian and take photos when I dropped down on one knee. We started the day at Magic Kingdom and I had written out several letters to give her throughout the day as I had the entire day planned. The entire day was to celebrate us, our 1st anniversary and everything we love. We had lunch at our favorite park restaurant, Skipper’s Canteen. We enjoyed riding all of our favorite rides from Haunted Mansions, Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain, and so many more. About 5pm, we started to make our way out and I was panicking internally about losing the ring or saying nothing that makes sense. We took the boat from Magic Kingdom to the Grand Floridian, where I planned on proposing on the dock where we watched fireworks together for the first time. On the way over, I could tell that Ashley was a little confused. I had a feeling that she was on to me, but I think she thought it was going to happen while we were in the park. We got to the dock and everything went perfectly. I barely remember what I said and she started crying with happiness and excitement. It was perfect! Afterwards, we celebrated at the Polynesian with a delicious dinner and the best bread pudding around; before watching the fireworks on the dock.